CNN.com has an interesting article about the fantastic sales of the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited.

It's the new four-door Wrangler Unlimited. And it is definitely not a crossover. The Wrangler is a serious, no-compromise piece of off-road machinery that can, if you want it to, run errands and take the kids to school, too. But it's not really designed for that.

Crossovers ride smoothly, like cars. The Wrangler doesn't. Crossovers are quiet. The Wrangler isn't, especially on the highway. Crossovers don't have rollover cages, removable doors and windshields that can fold down and strap to the hood. The Wrangler does.

When Consumer Reports tested it, the Wrangler Unlimited earned a score of 17 out of a possible 100, the lowest score for any current model. The magazine also noted the Wrangler's "dismal fuel economy."

As a long time reader and past subcriber (sad) to CR, I can tell you not to be concerned about their coverage on the 2007 Wrangler. In fact their portrayal of the new Wrangler as the "automotive anti-Christ" is not surprising. To paraphrase the familiar saying, "It's a JEEP thing and Consumer's Report will NEVER understand". The new Wrangler is a terrific automobile, enough said.

I have rented and enjoy the new 2007 Wrangler, however im leery of any vehicle in its first model year and have heardof some issues from a couple owners that the new Stability control system has had issues with moisture if running jeeps in heavy snow , ice or deep water... so Last night I picked up a New leftover 2006 TJ Sport golden eagle edition, which will make this my 4th TJ, in a few years the new body style will have the kinks worked out and will be ready for me.

one thing i will say is that I really do think jeep has scored big with the new wrangler, for those that Miss the cherokee sport, a 4 door hardtop 07 unlimited might just fill that void.

I tried to trade in my 05 unlimited rubi and the dealer was low balln me on the trade and keep the 07 rubi ABOVE sticker....I walked as he said he could easily sell ALL his new wranglers. Good for him but I wont ever be a customer at that dealership.

Since this i put a OME suspension system on my unlimited and the ride is soooo much better im glad i did not trade and Lose big $$$$ on negative equity. I'll wait 2-3 years before trying again by then the new Liberty will be out which looks nice and probably an upgraded engine or maybe even a diesel for the wrangler....

Ok, so this is great news for Chrysler and terrible news for the loyal Wrangler Rubicon drivers who would like to trade in for a new Rubicon with a decent upgrade in power. I hope I am wrong. However, I am still thinking it will be a couple of years before we see a more powerful engine offered! (I have read the rumors about the diesel. But , I am not so sure I would want one). I guess the good news is, I still love my Rubicon and I think it will last a couple of more years...

I'm also not surprised that the new Wrangler Unlimited is selling like hotcakes. I wrote several notes to DC when the Cherokee XJ was discontinued asking for a vehicle like this. I finally bought a 2005 Wrangler Unlimited, so it will be several years (if ever) before I'll be in the market for another new Jeep.

I'm not surprised the Wrangler Unlimited is so popular. Most people really do like Wranglers but find them very unpractical. Now you take a Wrangler and make it even a little more practical for everyday use and all of a sudden Jeep has struck gold. It's probably going to be a step up on gas mileage for the average soccer mom (and she's already familiar with the engine ;) ). It's got a removable top which makes it ten times better than the Liberty right there. I think that Jeep really underestimated the desire for an open air option for a family-sized vehicle. Sunroofs are nice but they're no replacement for a removable top. And the Unlimited can tow 3500lbs. That's good enough for your average 18'-19' boat, a medium utility trailer, or probably most importantly a decent sized pop-up camper.

And you guys can't get too bent out of shape on CR's review. We all know the kind of vehicle considered perfect in CR. All of the Wrangler reviews I've ever read from them almost apologize for having to score it the way they do. They always mention that the Wrangler is one of the best at its intender purpose but not much of a comfortable commuter car.

It tells us that CR should stick to reviewing cars, toasters, and iPod headphones.

When it comes to testing Trucks & SUV's (which they obviously despise) they should bring in the Army corp of Engineers, the guys from Myth-Busters and the NASA crew who designed the Mars Rover to evaluate. (or just copy FourWheeler of the Year)Now that would be a good read!